IT'S ALWAYS THE ODD LITTLE THINGS:

Well I'm really new at this whole blogging thing, but oh well. I guess I can sit here and babble a little, and then go back through to change everything to make it sound like I'm really WISE. Either way... it's the Second Advent here in Germany, and also P-Day for those of us who spend our days in the Office. And in a spirit of final relaxation, and good ol' pent up fun. We went straight for the heart of Frankfurt today, and got some good ol' Christmas shopping in. For anyone who's been to Germany in the Christmas season.. they know there's a nostagia here that is quite insurpassable. The Fußgangerzone, or high street if you live in England, is a pedestrain only zone that every European town has. It's generally torn to shred by shoppers, and eager Missionaries, but every year around the first Advent. A change slowly begins to work its way into this crazy outdoor mall. First it starts with a variety of G.I. Joe Santa Dolls all repelling, and climbing to balconies of the Apartments. Then you notice the Chestnut stand that wasn't there yesterday. Before you know it construction teams come in, and despite the pressing crowds of shoppers somehow begin errecting little huts. Slowly one by one the Fußgangerzone gets smaller, and smaller, until everyone is walking down a little path that I guess is left there because no one could fit a hut in between them. By the time you're wondering what the heck is going on little flap doors start popping open, and SHOPPING reigns supreme. That's right.. the Weihnachts Markt is open for business, and all the wooden smoking men, nativitiy scenes, Beer Gardens, Bratwurst stands, Nutcrackers, and even Buddha statues are all overpriced and up for sell. We had a ball today enjoying the crowded streets, and the street performers. Anyone who thinks they know Christmas shopping needs to try it here in Germany. Half your currency is Change, and most places don't take card. It's a hubbub of riotous potential, and you always need to make sure you don't bumb Grandma. It was a fun day though, and we're now getting ready to head out to the temple for a choir concert. This day has been a bit symbolic of Christmas. First it was introduced with HERALDS of Joy from my companions(It was for p-day, but hey we'll cut them a break). We then bussled around a very crowded city, where no one seemed to have room for the Saviour, and now We get to spend a quiet evening away from it all, in a holy spot, quietly celebrating the birth of the Ultimate Man. Doesn't P-day rock. Merry Christmas Everyone